55 Best Songs That Ask a Question in the Title or Lyrics
Whether falling in love, heartbroken, hopeful, or longing, music is there through all life's moments.
It only makes sense that music can ask universal questions, too. We've compiled the best songs about questions. Hopefully, these songs offer a little melody and comfort to life's questions.
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“What's Up?” by 4 Non Blondes
Song year: 1992
4 Non Blondes helped set the stage for the hippie-ish side of the 90s with their hit single “What's Up?” Not only is this song an anthem for inquiring minds, but it speaks to the dichotomy between slackerdom and social consciousness that would embody the decade.
“Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies
Song year: 1988
Alternative rock darlings, the Pixies, summed up what many of us often ask ourselves when they wrote “Where Is My Mind?”
With its slinky lead guitar and haunting female backing vocals, “Where Is My Mind?” sounds just as unsettled and weird as someone that asks themselves that very question.
Whether it's playing at the end of Fight Club or blaring from a college dorm, “Where Is My Mind?” is always the operative question.
“Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Song year: 1971
Though many attribute its lyrics to the Vietnam War, Creedence Clearwater Revival's “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” was written about their impending breakup.
After years of wild success, CCR was on the verge of a split due to infighting. “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” was singer John Fogerty's comment on the sorry state of their band despite all their success. Ironically, the song would become another hit.
“Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyah
Song year: 1998
With top-shelf production from Timbaland and a classic vocal performance from Aaliyah, “Are You That Somebody” is now considered one of the best r&b songs of the 90s.
Originally recorded for the Dr. Doolittle soundtrack, “Are You That Somebody” is a classic tale of sizing up your crush to find out if they've got what it takes. We can all relate to Aaliyah looking for someone that can be good and bad.
“What Are You Doin' in My Life?” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Song year: 1979
Tom Petty is desperately trying to shake an ex on “What Are You Doin' in My Life?” from the classic album Damn the Torpedoes.
While most of us can't relate to being stalked like a rockstar, singing along with Petty on this classic rock burner allows the listener to experience the spoils – and trials – of rock and roll.
“How Could You Babe” by Tobias Jesso Jr.
Song year: 2015
When you've given years of your life to someone, only to hear they've called someone else the love of their life, you couldn't feel much lower. Tobias Jesso Jr. has perfectly captured that raw emotion in “How Could You Babe.”
Love isn't always easy. Sometimes you have to let people you love leave your life. It hurts, but with songs like “How Could You Babe,” at least you'll have a companion.
“Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Song year: 1980
Joan Jett got saucy with The Blackhearts on “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah).” The song is a scorching punk-rock invitation to fool around, and its energy and raw sensuality helped it land on the Billboard charts in 1982.
Between Joan Jett's growling vocals and her backing band's hand claps and background vocals, “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)” is an empoweringly catchy love song.
“Don't You Want Me” by The Human League
Song year: 1981
The Human League initially disliked “Don't You Want Me,” though their stance on the song changed after topping the charts in both the UK and US.
“Don't You Want Me” wasn't originally conceived as a duet, but after taking inspiration from the film A Star is Born, The Human League would tap background singer Susan Ann Sulley to help tell their story of relationship power dynamics.
“Do You Remember Rock ‘n' Roll Radio?” by Ramones
Song year: 1980
The Ramones were revolutionary when they hit the New York rock scene in the late 70s, but their influences were always nostalgic. Nowhere is this better illustrated than on their ode to oldies, “Do You Remember Rock ‘n' Roll Radio?”
With production from Phil Spector, “Do You Remember Rock ‘n' Roll Radio?” name drops rockstars of days past with a wall of sound production technique, making the Ramones part of the tradition they're celebrating.
“Where Do the Children Play?” by Cat Stevens
Song year: 1970
Partially about childhood and partially about environmentalism, Cat Stevens' “Where Do the Children Play?” stands as beautiful sentiment about the simplicity of childhood.
For all the progress we've made in modern times, asking how our children will be affected by the change is overwhelming. Cat Stevens' soothing sincerity calms the question's underlying anxiety and assures the listener that they're not alone.
“Where Did Our Love Go” by The Supremes
Song year: 1964
Falling out of love never sounded so good. The Supremes' “Where Did Our Love Go” captures the burning question surrounding the flame that has all but burned out.
With masterful Motown musicians bolstering the vocal magic of Dianna Ross and The Supremes, this classic song of love lost is crucial to the fabric of American heartbreak. It also became the Supremes' first number-one single.
